If you live around Tokyo or Yokohama and are looking for an affordable golf course in Chiba, Chiba Yomiuri Country Club is one worth knowing about.
We have played here many times — this was our 21st round at the course. Our previous visit was on July 5, 2025, so this was our first round here in about a year.
One reason we keep coming back is the overall balance. The course is reasonably accessible from Yokohama by car, the price is attractive, and we have generally found it easier to get a tee time than at many other golf courses around the Tokyo metropolitan area.
Quick Guide for International Golfers
| Location | Ichihara, Chiba Prefecture |
|---|---|
| Our Drive to the Course | We left our home in Yokohama at around 5:00 a.m. on Sunday and arrived in approximately 70 minutes. The drive was about 100 km. Saturday traffic is generally heavier, so allow extra time. |
| Public Transportation / Shuttle Bus | Free transportation is available by advance reservation from Kazusa-Ushiku Station on the Kominato Railway and Ichihara-Tsurumai Bus Terminal. The former shuttle service from Goi Station has ended. |
| How We Booked | A friend called the golf course directly and made our reservation. We have found this course relatively easy to book. It is not commonly seen on some of Japan’s major golf booking platforms. |
| What We Paid | About ¥15,000 per person for this round. Considering the location, course condition and overall experience, we felt it offered very good value. |
| Rentals | We could not confirm current club and shoe rental details from the official website. Check directly with the golf course before visiting if you need rental equipment. |
| Dress Code | Avoid arriving in jeans, T-shirts, sweatwear or sandals. Golf-appropriate clothing is recommended. |
| Tattoo / Bath Policy | We could not confirm an official tattoo policy online. If you have tattoos and plan to use the bathing facilities, check directly with the golf course before your visit. |
| Visitor Access / Membership | Visitors can book the course. General guests are accepted from two players, subject to availability. The club also offers membership and registration programs. |
We played on July 27, which happens to be known as “Watermelon Day” in Japan. Chiba is one of Japan’s major watermelon-producing areas, so watermelon might be a fitting treat after a summer round.
For us, though, the bigger story was simply being back at one of the courses we have played more than almost anywhere else.
A Surprisingly Cool Early-Morning Start
Japan can be extremely hot and humid in July. The previous day, temperatures in Yokohama had reached around 38°C.
But when we arrived at the golf course at around 6:00 a.m., it was only about 24°C. The early start made a huge difference, and the first part of the round was surprisingly cool and comfortable.
If you are planning to play golf in Japan during midsummer, an early tee time is definitely worth considering.
A Famous Tokyo Yomiuri Hole Recreated in Chiba
One of the most interesting features of Chiba Yomiuri is its 18th hole, which recreates the famous finishing hole at Tokyo Yomiuri Country Club.
It gives golfers a taste of one of the best-known holes from the prestigious Tokyo course without having to play there.
Another unusual feature is that five-player groups are allowed. We played as a group of four this time, but we have played here with five people before. The course provides five-person golf carts for these groups.
A Relaxed Clubhouse
One thing that always stands out is how spacious the clubhouse feels.
The restaurant tables are noticeably larger than those at many golf courses we visit, and the large windows look out onto the surrounding greenery. It is a comfortable place to relax before or after the round.
Good Value — and Something of a Hidden Gem
For golfers living around Tokyo and Yokohama, Chiba Yomiuri feels a little like a hidden gem.
We paid about ¥15,000 for this round. Taking the location, course condition and overall experience into account, we thought that was very reasonable.
We booked directly by phone through a friend. In our experience, tee times here can be easier to secure than at many popular courses that receive heavy traffic from the major Japanese golf booking sites.
There is also a fun scratch-card system. Depending on what happens during your round, you may receive a discount toward a future visit. It is a small touch, but one that makes returning to the course a little more fun.
Would We Play Here Again?
Absolutely. After 21 rounds here, Chiba Yomiuri Country Club has become one of our regular courses.
For international golfers living in the Kanto area — particularly those who have access to a car — it is worth considering if you are looking for a reasonably priced course in Chiba that is relatively straightforward to book.
And if you are playing during the Japanese summer, our experience this time reinforced one important lesson: start early.
Played: July 27, 2026
— Golf-Otto
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